Olivia Neskovski

Support My Run for Mental Health Research

To nobody’s surprise, I’m once again taking part in Black Dog Institute’s ‘One Foot Forward’ this October to fundraise for ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education and digital services - helping to create better mental health for all. The difference… this year I’ll be running my 100km (I actually despise running, but let’s get uncomfortable).

For the past six years. I’ve taken part in at least one mental health-focused event every year. And if my experiences through that time have taught me anything, it’s that life will always present new and different challenges, but supporting your mental health is what gives us the capacity to face whatever comes next.

Over the years and particularly in this last year, life has tested me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. From working through childhood trauma to persistent health issues to job insecurity to, most significantly, being with a close friend as we desperately performed CPR to save the life of his girlfriend, Cate. Despite every effort, she is now resting peacefully. That is something that doesn’t leave you. And it reinforced, in the most confronting way, how important prevention, early intervention, and accessible mental health support truly are.

If you know me, you know this isn’t just something I care about. It’s personal. I’ve lived in the space where you don’t think you’ll make it out. I’ve lost people. I’ve come close to losing myself. And now, I’ve seen firsthand what it looks like when it’s too late.

That’s why I’m doing this again...
    for Cate,

    for the people we’ve lost,

    for the moments that change you forever,

    for the version of me that didn’t think she’d survive,

    and for everyone still fighting battles no one else can see.

If you’re able to donate, share this, or even just check in on someone you love, it genuinely makes a difference.